DOW severe weather preparation and awareness
LĪHUʻE – The Department of Water (DOW) reminds its customers to prepare for possible water service impacts during severe weather. Natural disasters, such as high winds, flooding, and fallen trees, can damage water infrastructure or disrupt power to water sources, leading to water service interruptions and outages. The duration of these outages depends on the severity of the storm’s impact on system infrastructure and the restoration of power to water facilities. While DOW crews are always prepared to respond, restoration efforts can only begin when conditions are safe and accessible. Customers should store the recommended amount of water, minimum recommendation of 1 gallon per person per day, in their emergency kits to meet their needs until service can be restored. Visit www.kauai.gov/KEMA for an emergency kit check list.
PREPARATION (now)
Store Water – To store water properly, use clean containers, preferably those designed for water storage such as FDA-approved food-grade water storage containers. Do not use containers that may have previously stored hazardous or questionable materials, or food with strong odors, or are made of easily breakable materials such as glass. Fill the container with tap water, leaving minimal air space between the water and the cap. Store it in a cool, dark place.
AWARENESS
Water Conservation Requests – A water conservation request is typically issued to prevent a water storage tank from draining during a power outage. During a water conservation request, customers are advised to limit water use to essential needs only, such as drinking, cooking, and personal hygiene. In addition, customers should turn off plumbing fixtures that automatically draw water (irrigation, ice machines, etc.) for the duration of the conservation notice.
Do Not Drink (DND) Advisory – A Do Not Drink (DND) advisory is issued only if the quality of the water may be compromised. During DND advisory, customers are advised not to consume tap water until further notice. This includes drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and preparing food. Tap water should not be consumed until DOW has officially announced it is safe.
Boil Water Notice or Order – Boil all tap water RAPIDLY for about 3 minutes before you use it for: Drinking; brushing your teeth; making ice; washing your hands before eating; washing dishes, cooking surfaces, raw foods, or rinsing food; preparing other drinks like baby bottles, Kool-Aid, tea, iced tea, shakes, frozen juices, etc. For more information, visit www.kauaiwater.org.
If boiling water is not possible, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advises using regular, unscented liquid household chlorine bleach. Do not use scented bleach, color-safe bleach, or bleach with added cleaners. If drinking water becomes unavailable during an emergency, water can be disinfected by adding 8 drops (1/8 teaspoon) of regular, unscented household liquid bleach per gallon of clear water. Mix thoroughly and let stand for at least 30 minutes before use. For cloudy water, use 16 drops (1/4 teaspoon) per gallon. Do not use scented, color-safe, or bleach products containing added cleaners.
Important notes from CDC and EPA – Boiling is the preferred method because it is more effective against certain pathogens. Disinfection with bleach will kill most bacteria and viruses but may not eliminate all contaminants or parasites. Water contaminated by fuel, chemicals, or other toxic substances cannot be made safe by boiling or disinfection.
What to do in a storm:
• Stay tuned to local radio stations and news reports.
• Immediately begin water conservation measures, using water sparingly. Water should be used for essentials: cooking, drinking, and sanitation. Keep toilet flushing to a minimum.
• Collect rainwater to utilize for non-potable water needs. Do not drink rainwater.
• Turn off or disconnect any devices or fixtures that regularly draw water such as automatic ice machines and irrigation systems, etc.
What to do after a storm:
• Stay tuned to local radio stations and news reports. Any water service interruption updates will be posted at kauaiwater.org, social media platforms, and relayed to local radio stations, as needed.
• After the storm has passed, DOW will assess its water infrastructures. If water lines are damaged, or conservation notices have been issued, please continue to conserve water until DOW officially announces that the conservation has been lifted.
Receive DOW Alerts by signing up for Everbridge, the County of Kaua`i’s mass notification system. To receive water service notifications such as water service outage alerts, water conservation notices, Do Not Drink (DND) notifications, and other water related emergency alerts, visit www.kauai.gov/KEMA. To view DOW updates, visit www.kauaiwater.org.
###
